Low Cost Vegan Recipes That Make Your Grocery List Go Further

Stretch your budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition

Eating plant-based doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In fact, with a bit of planning, some smart shopping strategies, and the right recipes, you can create flavour-packed vegan meals for less than you might spend on fast food. Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just looking to cut down on meat, these low cost vegan recipes will help you make the most of every pound in your grocery budget.

In this post, we’ll share practical tips for stretching your food budget, some of our favourite affordable vegan meals, and how to use Cheapify.app to compare store prices so you never overpay.

Why Low Cost Vegan Recipes Work for Your Wallet

Many people assume vegan food is expensive, but in reality, the priciest items in the average shopping basket are often meat, fish, and processed snacks. Whole plant-based ingredients like beans, lentils, rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables are among the most affordable foods per serving.

By focusing on these budget-friendly staples and using store price comparison tools like Cheapify, you can prepare healthy meals for £1–£2 per portion. That’s not just good for your bank account—it’s great for your health and the planet too.

Budget-Friendly Vegan Staples to Keep in Your Kitchen

The foundation of low cost vegan recipes is a well-stocked pantry. Here are some key items that can be used across multiple dishes:

• Legumes: Dried or canned lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans.
• Grains: Rice, oats, pasta, quinoa, and couscous.
• Vegetables: Frozen mixed veg, carrots, onions, and seasonal greens.
• Fruits: Bananas, apples, frozen berries.
• Flavour boosters: Soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil, sunflower oil, tahini, and peanut butter.

These items are versatile, filling, and nutritious. If you buy in bulk or when discounted, you’ll save even more.

Smart Shopping Tips to Lower Your Vegan Grocery Bill

Here’s how to make your vegan recipes even more cost-effective:

1. Compare prices across supermarkets – Use Cheapify.app to check which store offers the lowest price for your ingredients.
2. Plan meals in advance – This helps you avoid impulse buys and reduces food waste.
3. Use frozen produce – It’s often cheaper than fresh and just as nutritious.
4. Batch cook and freeze portions – Saves time, reduces waste, and keeps you from ordering takeaways on busy nights.
5. Shop seasonal – Seasonal veg is cheaper, fresher, and tastier.

5 Low Cost Vegan Recipes That Go a Long Way

Here are some budget-friendly vegan meals you can make for under £2 per serving.

1. One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew (£1.25 per serving)

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (cabbage, kale, or courgette)
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, lentils, and spices.
3. Pour in 4 cups water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Add seasonal veg in the last 10 minutes.

This hearty stew freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.

2. Chickpea Curry with Rice (£1.40 per serving)

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups cooked rice

Method

1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil for 3–4 minutes.
2. Add curry powder and stir until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes, coconut milk, and chickpeas. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Serve over rice.

3. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie (£1.80 per serving)

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 cup lentils (brown or green)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 3 large potatoes, mashed with plant-based milk and margarine

Method

1. Cook lentils in vegetable stock until soft.
2. Sauté onion and carrots, then mix with lentils, peas, and tomato paste.
3. Place mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.

4. Peanut Butter Noodles (£1.20 per serving)

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 250g whole wheat noodles
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or carrots

Method

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and lime juice into a sauce.
3. Toss noodles with sauce and vegetables.

5. Oat and Banana Breakfast Muffins (£0.50 per serving)

Ingredients (12 muffins)

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup plant milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Mix all ingredients and spoon into a muffin tray.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.

How Cheapify.app Helps You Save Even More

Cooking low cost vegan recipes is easier when you know where to get the best deals. Cheapify.app compares prices for your grocery list across major UK supermarkets. Simply add your ingredients, and the app will show you the cheapest store combination—saving you time and money every week.

For example, a week’s worth of ingredients for the recipes above could cost over £8 less just by switching supermarkets. That’s an extra meal or two for free.

Final Thoughts

Eating well on a budget is about making smart choices, not sacrifices. With a little planning, some versatile pantry staples, and tools like Cheapify.app, you can enjoy low cost vegan recipes that are healthy, filling, and delicious.

Next time you’re planning your meals, give one of these recipes a try and see how far your grocery list can go—without compromising taste.